Ian

I finally waded through it all & finished the report (I think). See link below for our February 2007 trip to Beijing, Xi’an & Handan – for a family wedding. Pictures included.

http://members.rennlist.com/imcarthur/china.htm

Thanks

Ian

sherhatfield

Ian,

Thanks for the great report. I'll be in Beijing next month so I had planned on just reading thru the Beijing sections, but the report was so well written I had to read it all!

I really enjoyed the pictures. Now I'm even more excited for my trip!

jenskar

Really enjoyed your report and pictures -- thank you for posting them !!

marya_

Thank you for a delightful report and hearty congratulations on the occasion of your son's wedding!

thursdaysd

Wow! What a wonderful trip. Thanks so much for the report, it was fascinating!

I was surprised by all the shopping opportunities, I think you're right that was because you had a guide. And also by the delayed flights - I traveled by train and found they sometimes left a couple of minutes early! BTW, I did the Dinner Show in Xi'an without the dinner, and it wasn't bad. Pity you missed the Muslim quarter though - a reason to go back!

Suja

Interesting report!! I dream of travelling one day to China but the language barrier, and my fear of not getting vegetarian food has held me back so far...but your report tempts me...

thursdaysd

Suja - China is a great place for vegetarians! There are even sub-cuisines devoted to them. The language barrier is real but can be dealt with - and I found those Chinese who did speak English incredibly helpful. You need a guidebook with Chinese characters for place names, and a phrasebook with characters as well as English and pinyin. The big east coast cities are getting easier, and will be even more so with the Olympics coming up.

Ian

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

We were surprised at how many people in Beijing & Xi'an did have a bit of English. We ran into random people in shops, restaurants & many attractions spoke at least a little. The kids told us that they take a bit in school. And it is a popular university major.

One taxi driver struggled for the 1st 5 minutes to say "Welcome to China" to us as he drove.

Most street signs in Beijing are English & restaurants often have a copy of their menu in English. Highway signs are also duplicated in English although foreigners can't drive anyway.

In Handan this changed since they don't see tourist buses.

Any yes, I think it would be very easy to be a vegetarian in China. A good choice of vegetables were always served.

Ian

rhkkmk

thanks for the report and the pics...

valeriesgallery

Que Bueno!

We are going in March, my friends will appreciate such recent info.

Muchas Gracias,

Shanghainese

Ian: Can't explain how I missed it, probably was on vacation in Hawaii. Truly enjoyed your fantastic report!